Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Latest Episodes:

Episode 27 - Learning and Leaving a Legacy Mar 08, 2023

Show notes

Kelly Woods talks with Sarah Fisher and Chad Fisher about what learning in the wildland fire service means to them. Sarah and Chad describe their different experiences landing them both near the top of their respective organizations. They each discuss their path and the lessons they learned along the way. Throughout the conversation, Sarah and Chad highlight their perspectives on learning and legacy. They also provide a glance into their world balancing careers and family time.

Episode 26 - When Options Run Out: The Human Side of an Entrapment Aug 26, 2022

Show notes

Travis Dotson talks with Brian Crowley about his experience during the entrapment and fire shelter deployment on the Bridger Foothills Fire in Montana in 2020. Brian offers some perspective, not only on surviving as options disappear, but also on supporting each other during the tough times.

To read the Bridger Foothills Facilitated Learning Analysis visit: Bridger Foothills Fire Entrapment and Shelter Deployment 2020 | Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (wildfire.gov)

Episode 25 - Fireline Lessons - Tangible Take-Aways from Recent Incidents May 26, 2022

Show notes

Kelly Woods talks with Travis Dotson about lessons gathered from wildland fire incidents occurring in the 2021 fire year. This conversation centers around the Annual Incident Review Summary, a yearly publication based on an in-depth review and analysis of accident reports from the previous fire year. Tune in for some wild stories and a few handy lessons from real-life events.

Follow along or plan your next training day with the 2021 Incident Review Summary

Episode 24 - Family Business – Two Generations Talk Fire and What’s Important Through the Years Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

Kelly Woods talks with Beth Lund and her daughter Allison Lund about the dynamics of two generations of the same family forging careers in wildland Fire. They highlight how even though things have changed across the years, that which grounds them remains the same. Beth and Allison also offer insights on leadership, identity, difficult decisions, and family.

Episode 23 - Reading, Reflecting, and Changing Behavior Sep 16, 2021

Show notes

Kelly Woods talks with Erik Apland about his assignment to read all of the entrapment reports housed in the LLC Incident Review Database. Erik provides perspective on the evolution of reports spanning over a century. He highlights how old reports contain modern topics and he also provides some unique thoughts on PPE. In addition, Erik discusses how reading the reports has changed him and will affect his future actions.

Episode 22 - An Entrapment Survival Story: Before, During and After Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

In a conversation with Travis Dotson, Chris Fry shares the powerful story of his entrapment and shelter deployment on the 2006 Mudd Fire. We learn several key details about what happened that day. Chris discusses the lessons he has gained during his healing process and how the post-deployment mental health aspects of his experience are what truly motivates Chris to share his story.

To see more documentation on the 2006 Mudd Fire:

Mudd Fire Engine Entrapment 2006 | Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (wildfire.gov)

Episode 21 - Tree Felling Accidents...What The Numbers Say Apr 22, 2021

Show notes

Travis Dotson and Alex Viktora discuss the Tree Felling Accident Analysis – a report comparing 53 different tree felling accidents.

Topics covered include: